The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has changed its name to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) as of 1 July 2025. The website address is now www.phfscience.nz. Visitors are automatically redirected to the new address. Please check and update any links and bookmarks.

Environmental Health Report: Air Quality and Social Inequity in Aotearoa: A Preliminary Assessment

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

This report outlines a preliminary investigation into social inequity of air quality exposure and associated impacts in New Zealand. Overall, the data show that people in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation are adversely affected more strongly by air pollution. This means policy that targets air pollution improvements in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation would deliver bigger health benefits, especially policy to reduce motor vehicle emissions (the main source of NO2).

Download